The Creche & Goodbye...For Now

Our last day in Haiti we made the decision to take Joshua back to the Creche (baby nursery) ourselves. I'm glad we did. We took him back to an environment that he was used to, even if it's not where WE wanted him to be (or him, for that matter!). The building was located on a moderately crowded, but not overly crowded street. It had a locked gate with a guard that unlocked the gate for us. The first room we saw was the school room. It was arranged neatly and had a tv (which explains Joshua's knowledge of a t.v. remote).

Then, we found his room. He bunks on the bottom on a thin little mattress, but it was clean. I unloaded his things here, and they loaded them back into a suit case to sort. Our driver told us it was to make sure he gets them and they are scattered here and there. I want to believe him. Funny, before I knew that his things are usually scattered and I didn't care. But, once I had seen him play with so many things, I became very emotional and wanted to make sure he saw them again. I can only hope.

The caretakers immediately began to ask us if we were pleased with Joshua and if we thought anything was wrong. They had apparently been told our concerns. I burst into tears and repeated over and over "No, no, no...he's wonderful, just wonderful." They probably thought I was insane at this point.

So, we travel on through the narrow building and hallways. I talk with the nurse and make sure she understands to give Joshua the remainder of his antibiotic, and then we visit the babies.

(this is Paxton...he's coming home to Kentucky VERY soon!)

these two are twins...a boy and a girl...and they, too, have a forever family waiting on them.

Finally, we make it up to the roof. The roof is clean, covered with a tent to keep out the sun, and has play ground equipment. From the roof, you can look out and see the sea. The children attacked our suitcase and Steve. They called out "Joshua! Joshua!" They enjoyed our treats that we brought. They enjoyed being tossed into the air by Steve.

The gal in the jean dress to the left...she is one of Joshua's main caregivers.

The children would share with one another and feed each other the snacks. Even Joshua picked some goldfish up and offered them up to their owner. Very sweet kids.

The boat Steve zoomed in on with the camera from the rooftop.

As sweet and playful as all of the children were, I was focused on one in those last moments. I kissed him over and over and threw him back into laughter a few more times. I whispered into his ear the promise that I continually offer up to the Lord..."I'll be back. Momma is coming back for you."
I had our driver tell him in Creole that Momma was coming back. I had the head caregiver tell him in Creole that Momma loves him and she's coming back.A few attempts to put him down and he would cling to my leg. Oh, son. So, I passed him to Daddy. One more Dad-dee hug and kiss...

Then, we put him down and said "Bonjour!" and he walked over to the wall and wouldn't look at us. So, a caregiver went and picked him up and he watched us out of the door.

I swiftly, blindly took the 3 or 4 flights of stairs down back into the truck. I sobbed in the back seat and prayed. And really, I think it went well. I guess I could have refused to leave Haiti. Fallen in the floor and had a fit of grief...rage, even. But, I didn't. God gave grace.

I'm trusting Him to finish this. He's taken me places on this journey that I never thought I'd go. He's given me feelings and strength that I never thought I'd have. I've been deep in a troublesome valley and He's raised me each time. He. Will. Finish. This. What do I do in the meantime??

Trust Him with my very core. With all that I have. Thank-you, God, for sending us to Haiti to meet our son.